National Security Adviser Michael Flynn went in front of the Press and accused the Iranian Government of “malign actions” after Iran’s ballistic missile test on Sunday. Iran initially denied launching the missile, but confirmed today that they did. Iran stated that their missile testing does not violate the U.N. Security Council resolution.
Some are speculating that Iran is testing the new U.S. administration which led to the stark statement coming out of the White House. BBC reported:
“In December 2016 Iranian President Hassan Rouhani told an audience at the University of Tehran that he would not allow Mr Trump to ‘rip up’ the deal, Reuters news agency reported.
On Wednesday Iranian Defence Minister Hossein Dehghan stood by their missile test.
‘We have previously announced that we will execute the programmes we have planned in production of defence equipment meant for our national interests and objectives,’ Iranian media quoted him as saying. ‘Nobody can influence our decision. We will not allow foreigners to interfere in our defence affairs.'”
According to the Guardian, Ali Vaez, an Iran expert at the International Crisis Group in Washington, said:
“It’s either an empty threat or a clear statement of intent to go to war with Iran. Both are reckless and dangerous … In an attempt to look strong, the administration could stumble into a war that would make the Afghan and Iraqi conflicts look like a walk in the park.”
The Pentagon was informed of the pending statement, and Defense Secretary James Mattis was able to edit the statement in order to soften the language and tone down the message. One can only imagine what the original statement says if “you are officially put on notice” is the mild version.
Even though the White House’s main objective was to look like a tough administration, they did not forget to include their daily quota for blaming Obama. The following is a partial transcript of the statement:
“The Obama administration failed to respond adequately to Iran’s malign actions, including: weapons transfers, support for terrorism, and other violations of international norms. The Trump administration condemns such acts by Iran that undermine security, prosperity and stability throughout and beyond the Middle East which place American lives at risk. President Trump has severely criticized the various agreements reached between Iran and the Obama administration as well as the United Nations as being weak and ineffective. Instead of being thankful to the United States in these agreements Iran is now feeling emboldened. As of today we are officially putting Iran on notice.”
Loosely translated: My crowd is bigger than Obama’s crowd. My hands are bigger than your hands. My words are scarier than your words. I’m the new bully on the block and I’m willing to sacrifice as many soldiers as necessary to prove it.
